NABSW Statement on Charlottesville

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. will work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial intimidation and domination, economic exploitation, and cultural oppression.

NABSW deplores the actions of white supremacist groups in their display of racial, sexist, and anti-Semitic hatred toward people in America, especially those people of African descent.

In America today, African-Americans have been targets of systemic injustices, economic disempowerment and institutional racism. Throughout the history of these United States of America, government policies and practices has enabled attacks on Black people, as well as attacks on others who are stereotyped and marginalized by the government. The ability for African-Americans to exercise their constitutional rights has always been comprised, as we are aware that African-Americans were not given the protections in the constitution/declaration of independence of the newly formed USA in 1776.

The actions demonstrated by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville, VA. is reminiscent of behaviors that resulted in over 3000 African-Americans being lynched in America, vibrant Black communities being attacked by white mobs, and instances of state sanctioned support while unarmed Blacks are murdered. As the “leaders” of the country ask for peace, love and a “coming together” of all Americans, the reality for African-Americans is a high unemployment rate, disparities in the criminal justice system, poor educational options/opportunities and continued attacks on their communities.

What was witnessed in Charlottesville, VA, as well as in many cities and towns across America has always been a part of this country, embroiled in its history. Most recently it has been exacerbated by a “President” who after waiting two days, reluctantly “denounced,” by name, the “KKK’, neo Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups.” These statements came while at the same time Trump embraces Steve Bannon, ex-executive chairman of Breitbart who turned the right-wing news site into the platform of the so-called alt-right. According to NPR, before joining Trump's inner circle during the 2016 campaign, Bannon was the head of Breitbart News, a far-right media outlet that has promoted conspiracy theories and is a platform for the alt-right movement, which espouses white nationalism. Bannon, a supporter of white supremacist and racial bigotry, became Trump’s campaign manager and later his Chief White House Strategist . In addition, Sebastian Gorka, a person who has ties to anti-Semitic, right wing groups in Hungary, was hired by Trump as a his Deputy Assistant.. You can’t denounce the people you embrace. Perhaps that’s why Trump doubled down the very next day to uphold white supremacists protestetors in Charlottesville as “very fine people.”

NABSW Statement on recent events in Charlottesville, VA.

Page 2

8/15/17

The current political landscape, at all levels of government, has created a dialogue that decriminalizes people of color, encourages race baiting and blaming, and only serves to normalize the tone and actions of racial, religious, and gender hatred.

NABSW asks that the white supremacist groups be labeled by the Department of Justice as terrorist organizations, acting to restrict the constitutional rights of others, and that all of their funds be seized.

NABSW unequivocally rejects any legislation that would authorize the use of a vehicle to hurt protesters without criminal liability as proposed by five State General Assemblies.

NABSW relates the historical trauma that African-Americans have experienced through the atrocities of individuals in America as well as government sanctioned policies that has contributed to the conditions of their communities. We reject this continued assault upon our communities and call for unity to fight against those entities by any means necessary.

NABSW is committed to working with individuals, organizations and advocacy groups that share its mission statement and desire to address racism. NABSW remains dedicated to educating people on the history of racism in America in pursuit of a meaningful and honest discussion, as well as offering solution oriented objectives in eradicating the mistreatment of people of African descent.